Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo has criticised former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar for repeatedly referring to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “Bola” during a press conference in Abuja.
Keyamo described the reference as “very disrespectful and discourteous”, arguing that the office of the President should be accorded dignity regardless of political disagreements.
In a statement posted on his X account, the minister said Atiku should recognise the constitutional office Tinubu occupies even while challenging the administration’s policies.
Keyamo objects to use of President’s first name
Keyamo wrote that Atiku’s repeated reference to Tinubu as “Bola” during the press conference was inappropriate.
“The continuous reference to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu … as ‘Bola’ is very disrespectful and discourteous,” Keyamo said.
He added that political differences should not prevent public figures from respecting the office of the President.
Keyamo also criticised Atiku’s comments about Tinubu’s age, arguing that the former vice-president’s position was inconsistent with his choice to address the President by his first name.
Dispute follows Atiku’s economic criticism
Keyamo’s reaction came shortly after Atiku held a press conference in Abuja in which he criticised the Federal Government’s economic policies and called for measures to reduce petrol prices and the wider cost-of-living burden.
Atiku also urged Tinubu to consider his proposal for government intervention in domestic petroleum production and said the President could adopt the idea even if he chose to take political credit for it.
The exchange highlights the increasingly direct political confrontation between Tinubu’s administration and Atiku, who is seeking the presidency in 2027 under the ADC.